by Johnny Depp’s Horror Movie Breakthrough in A Nightmare on Elm Street
While Johnny Depp is now one of the biggest movie stars in the world thanks to iconic roles in films like Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, his career began rather humbly in the 1984 horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. Directed by horror master Wes Craven and featuring the legendary performance of Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, A Nightmare on Elm Street helped launch the slasher subgenre and introduced the world to Johnny Depp’s talents – even if in a relatively small role. Let’s take a closer look at Depp’s film debut and how it set the stage for his future success.
Before A Nightmare on Elm Street, Johnny Depp had done some television work but had not appeared in a major motion picture. A Kentucky native who dropped out of high school, the 21-year-old Depp was scraping by doing odd jobs in Los Angeles when he learned about an open casting call for Wes Craven’s new horror film. Though Depp had no real acting experience or training, something compelled him to show up and read for a part. To his surprise, Craven saw something in Depp and cast him as Glen Lantz, one of the teenage victims of the dream-stalking killer Freddy Krueger.
While Glen only appears in a few scenes in A Nightmare on Elm Street, the role gave Depp his first taste of working on a big Hollywood production alongside established actors like Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, and Rae Dawn Chong. As Glen, Depp portrays a typical high school kid until he falls prey to Freddy in his dreams. In one chilling sequence, Glen is pulled into his bed and dragged up to the ceiling by Krueger’s bladed glove, screaming as he’s sliced to death. It’s a brief but impactful introduction to Depp’s acting abilities.
Behind the scenes of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Depp made an impression with his professionalism and work ethic. He absorbed direction from Wes Craven and learned from watching more experienced cast members. Perhaps most importantly, Depp befriended another young actor also looking to break into the business – Nicolas Cage. The two struggling artists bonded over their goals and encouraged one another’s careers. Cage in particular mentored Depp, advising him to fully commit to acting. Their friendship and Cage’s guidance would prove invaluable for Depp going forward.
When A Nightmare on Elm Street was released in November 1984, it became a box office success, grossing over $25 million against a $1.8 million budget. Critically, the film was also praised for Craven’s crafting of Freddy Krueger into a memorable new villain and helping establish the slasher subgenre. While Depp’s role was small, some early reviews took note of his brief but effective performance. Most importantly, the film connected with audiences of the time and achieved lasting cult status, exposing Depp’s work to a wide audience and demonstrating his promise as an actor.
In the years after A Nightmare on Elm Street, Johnny Depp continued pursuing roles in film and television, gradually gaining more experience. He had some small parts in movies like Platoon and Cry-Baby but also did considerable television work. Throughout this time, Depp’s friendship with Nicolas Cage proved invaluable, as Cage would give Depp advice and occasionally help him get auditions. By 1987, at Cage’s recommendation, Depp landed his breakout role of undercover cop Tommy Hanson in the hit TV series 21 Jump Street. Over five seasons on the show, Depp’s performance greatly increased his profile and proved he had leading man potential.
It was during his 21 Jump Street years that Johnny Depp gained the attention of director Tim Burton, who would go on to cast Depp in a string of critically-acclaimed films that turned him into a superstar. Their first collaboration was 1990’s Edward Scissorhands, where Depp brought pathos and complexity to an unconventional character. Audiences and critics were impressed by Depp’s ability to disappear into the role. His partnership with Burton had begun and would define much of his early career in features. Throughout the 1990s, Depp excelled in offbeat Burton films like Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
By the 2000s, Johnny Depp was unquestionably a top box office draw as he took on iconic characters in huge franchises. His swashbuckling turn as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean series became a global phenomenon. Roles in films like Finding Neverland, Corpse Bride, and the Fantastic Beasts series showcased his range. To this day, Depp remains one of the most bankable movie stars in the world. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards over his illustrious career.
So while Johnny Depp may now be known for much bigger blockbuster roles, it all started with that brief but pivotal part in A Nightmare on Elm Street back in 1984. The low-budget horror film gave Depp his first taste of Hollywood and helped launch a career that has spanned nearly four decades. It also introduced him to Wes Craven, Nicolas Cage, and the craft of acting – all of which would prove formative for Depp’s future success. Though just a small role, A Nightmare on Elm Street remains a memorable starting point for one of cinema’s most celebrated leading men.
